The Vagina Monologues at UNH

As most of you know, every year SHARPP hosts a student production of “The Vagina Monologues.” The original production, by Eve Ensler, will have you laughing, crying and smiling. “The Vagina Monologues” is read by different women. Each monologue touches on a female experience within the themes of sex, love, rape, menstruation, birth and others. The common thread is empowerment. It all started when Ensler interviewed 200 women about relationships, sex and violence against women. These interviews inspired the monologues. The play is a large component of V-Day, a movement Ensler started to empower women. The movement has raised over $100 million, which supports organizations that protect and empower women. The ‘v’ in V-Day stands for victory, valentine and vagina.

I asked the directors of this year’s show a few questions:

Name: Tiffany Driesse

Graduation year: 2019

Major: Biology

Why did you become interested in being a director of TVM?

I am a women’s studies minor, and I love what “The Vagina Monologues” stands for. I love that it emphasizes why women should feel powerful about having a vagina.

What can we expect from this year’s show?

This year’s theme has never been used, and a projector will be used to play videos relating the monologues to current events happening in the world.

Name: Katelin Garland

Year of Graduation: 2018

Major: Musical theatre

How has it been preparing for the show?

It’s been so amazing, and I love my cast! They’re all so talented and lovely. Many of the women have been involved with the production before, and I think they all have a lot to say about what we’re doing with the piece and what’s been done. They’re all so funny and I think we’ve definitely grown together with the show. Though it’s mainly made up of monologues, I think we’ve truly created an ensemble piece and a feeling of connection through the entire cast. Tiffany and I have made some very important decisions together, and I really appreciated our work during rehearsals.

How might this show be different from past shows?

I don’t want to spoil too much about the show, but I can say that the theme is definitely not one that I’ve heard has been done before. I can also say that the impact on the audience may be different than past productions due to the show’s relevance. Tiffany and I have made it clear that this piece is a symbol of powerful women, which the show tells on its own.

What does TVM mean to you?

“The Vagina Monologues” means a lot to me; the women I’ve been working with are so passionate and they motivate me to bring this show to its fullest potential. I’m so glad a show like this exists because it reminds us all how important women are. It reminds us that even though women have been put down time and again, they always get back up to fight for what’s right. It’s been an honor to be involved with this production, and I hope you enjoy the show!

Trust me, you will not want to miss this show! It will have you laughing, crying and feeling empowered!